ACT II.
A room in Mrs. Rettig's home. In the background a door opening on a corridor that leads to the kitchen; to the left a door opening into the next room. In the corner, near the door, a white stove, near which is a bright green screen onwhich are pasted black and colored pictures. To the right of the main door is a chest of drawers, on which is a clock. Next to the chest of drawers is a bookcase, well filled. At the right is a window, under which is a seat. The furniture is harmonious. On the table is a white dish full of cherries.
Scene I
Mrs. Rettig, Tyny, Mařenka, Tonička, Aninka.
Mrs. Rettig is seated on the window seat, wearing a straight, loose-fitting, plaited gown, with high, broad sleeves, gathered at the wrist with three buttons, and generously plaited waist, and a white cap with a bow.
Mrs. Rettig.—And this much more, my dear girls. These wise sayings that you have just heard, a certain caliph bought for a vast amount of money from a certain sage, and had them written in golden letters. You have not received them (with a smile) from a sage, as he did, but the sayings are just the same. Those teachings need no golden letters, but should be engraved on your very hearts. The day after tomorrow we shall read something new. (Glances at the clock.) It is time to go into the kitchen. Who does the cooking today?
Aninka (Seated on a chair).—I, auntie.
Mrs. Rettig.—We must hurry.
Aninka.—Yes, this afternoon comes the picnic.
Tonička (On a chair).—O, how I look forward to it! We shall have dancing.
Tyny (On a low stool, nearest Mrs. Rettig).—And there will be Bohemian songs.
Mrs. Rettig.—Yes, the students will sing.
Mařenka (At the chest of drawers).—They have been practicing faithfully every day.
Tonička.—And we are studying our parts for the play, too.
Tyny.—But the girls are making fun of us, auntie, especially Máli Roller, calling it a "Bohemian thee-ay-ter."
Mrs. Rettig.—Don't pay any attention to them; let them talk
